Mixed Species Communal Setup

For almost 2 weeks now, i've tried housing in 1 6i fem H.longimanus, 1 7i male R.junceus and 1 6i fem H.hottentotta together with positive results. The r.junceus and h.hottentotta even tried to mate, which is not a part of my plan but it happened. Saw them and watched them doing their thing for like 7 minutes then after that they went on to their usual business, which was to do nothing.

I know this is risky but i had a calling to do the communal thing so wish me luck for the following weeks to come and hopefully the interbreeding would yield positive results as well.

Won't the humidity be too high for H.hottentotta or too low for R.junceus and H.longimanus? It would be great to keep different species and genus' together. I saw one guy keeping Hottentotta saulcyi and Mesobuthus eupeus together without any incident.

upon thorough research, i learned that r.junceus can be quite adaptive. as for the humidity, i placed 3 diff.substrates divided equally; white sand, sphagnum moss and small gravel. their enclosure's with a screen top and placed them in a dark corner. our country is quite humid so i dont mist regularly but i keep a large water dish inside. i put a couple of hides since HH seem to love it and small wood for the r.junceus. it seems that the 3 don't mind sharing a common hide either

the junceus loves riding my h.longi's back and the longi doesnt seem to mind at all. other than the HH who shows attitude every now and then, everyone looks calm and seem to enjoy each other's company

I hate to be "that guy" but I don't even know where to begin explaining why interbreeding is a bad idea and should be frowned upon. To be honest I'm pretty sure it's not even possible, I could be wrong but I was under the impression the shape of the spermatophore is species specific to fit the genital opercum of the same species female.

Also the same with randomly picking 3 species and sticking them in an enclosure together. For a start you have a forest, desert and bark scorpion, all requiring different habitats. Trying to satisfy these 3 very different scorps in one enclosure will likely mean none of them will be in optimal conditions. Plus I'm not so sure your Het would enjoy a sting from the H.h. that's going to hurt!

As stated this set up probably isn't the best idea for many reasons. I'm amazed they've not murdered each other yet.

Closely related species can probably hybridize but I would think it would be impossible to happen with the 3 species above.

+1

I have similar concerns is that this "co-existence" you are experimenting will most likely not end up well in the long run.

On normal circumstances,When a scorpion has gotten accustomed with it's hide/burrow (at least for a few weeks), territorial defense boundary is being established, possible threats are being fend off readily. When the scorpion is hungry, it'll strike on a prey that wanders by..

But, when we do up a new enclosure and place that scorpion in, it's defense mode changes to exploration and adaptation. During this period, they might not react the way how they would usually be, as compared to when they have settled down in an environment. That is possibly the reason why you would see them as "enjoying each others company" and didn't mind to have a different species coming up on one's back..

Jay has made a good point:

Jay wrote:

Trying to satisfy these 3 very different scorps in one enclosure will likely mean none of them will be in optimal conditions

Yes, some scorpions may be highly adaptable to harsh/ "not-so-ideal" living conditions but that does not mean they are able to thrive and grow healthily in such environment. Another concern i have is by having them in prolonged stress, their lifespan may be affected as well.

It's good that you are trying to learn by conducting experiments, but my advise is against this one. I do hope you are able to take in our advise positively.

@gs: oh no, not all. i already separated the three now. the only negative observation i noticed was that the H.hottentotta became kinda shy. Right now, the three are currently enjoying their fat, juicy cricket treats